Correlated forward–backward dissociation and neutron spectra as a luminosity monitor in heavy-ion colliders

Detection in zero degree calorimeters of the correlated forward–backward Coulomb or nuclear dissociation of two colliding nuclei is presented as a practical luminosity monitor in heavy-ion colliders. Complementary predictions are given for total correlated Coulomb plus nuclear dissociation and for correlated forward–backward single neutrons from the giant dipole peak.